A list of primary sector support services on the MPI website that are able to operate, as long as that can be done safely by limiting face-to-face contact and reducing the potential spread of covid-19 using measures such as physical distancing and additional hygiene protocols, include farm property sales agents, while farm sales and settlements and relocation to a new farm are also approved.
Property Brokers Rural general manager Conrad Wilkshire has welcomed the decision, saying autumn is an important time in rural real estate, with about one third of annual sales happening during the season.
From April to June last year rural property sales were worth $744 million; 56 of those were dairy farms with a total value of $238 million.
He says getting the sales process back on track will provide increased certainty for the sector, as it will help set and manage expectations as to where the market sits.
The business of farming continues with or without covid-19, with some looking to exit the industry, while the fundamentals of farming have never been stronger as processing and supply chains are in the best shape Wilkshire has seen during his career.
Rural agents are well-placed to deal with on-farm health and safety protocols that must be followed under alert level three, he says.
They will be able to travel around farms in their own vehicles to view properties and it won’t be necessary to initially view the inside of houses.
Early visits will focus on the contour of properties, along with underlying pasture, production systems and fertiliser history.
Rural agents have a good understanding of biosecurity, having dealt with properties effected by mycoplasma bovis in recent years.
The Real Estate Authority, the independent government authority that regulates the industry, has given its backing for farm appraisals under alert level three.
A spokesman says it is currently working on guidelines for agents across the industry to follow, which it hopes to make available soon.
It wants official clarification as to whether or not private viewings can take place.
